Titans release running back Chris Johnson

Friday

Apr 4, 2014 at 9:14 PMApr 4, 2014 at 10:24 PM

The CJ2K era is over in Tennessee, just the latest step by the Titans in their franchise makeover.

The Titans told Chris Johnson they are releasing him Friday after six seasons to avoid paying $8 million the running back is due in 2014, along with the final three seasons left on the $53.5 million contract he signed in September 2011. His release comes before the Titans start their offseason program Monday with new coach Ken Whisenhunt.

General manager Ruston Webster said the Titans thank Johnson for his contributions, setting so many franchise records and being durable over his six seasons with Tennessee.

''We have had an open dialogue with Chris' agent, Joel Segal, over the last few weeks, and we appreciate the patience and professionalism they have shown throughout this process,'' Webster said in statement. ''We made an effort to trade Chris but were unable to do so.''

The Titans have been busy working to replace Johnson. They agreed with Dexter McCluster on a three-year deal at the start of free agency after signing Shonn Greene in March 2013. The Titans also re-signed Jackie Battle recently, along with reaching a one-year deal for kick returner and running back Leon Washington on March 11.

It didn't help that Johnson repeatedly said he wouldn't take a pay cut. The Titans didn't face a deadline that would have guaranteed the $8 million Johnson was due in 2014 until the first week of the regular season.

So long, Mr. Wilson

New England released safety Adrian Wilson.

The 13-year veteran did not play a snap for the Patriots in his one season with the team after hurting his ankle in the preseason. He spent all of 2013 on injured reserve, and New England announced his release Friday.

A four-time All-Pro pick, Wilson spent his first 12 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Wilson has played in 181 career games with 162 starts, making 716 tackles, 25½ sacks and 27 interceptions.

Seahawks reward Carroll

The Seattle Seahawks have locked up coach Pete Carroll with a three-year contract extension after he led the franchise to its first Super Bowl title.

The Seahawks announced the extension Friday. Carroll's original five-year deal, signed with the team in January 2010, was set to expire after the 2014 season.

Carroll has proven his attitude and approach can work in the NFL during his third stint as a head coach at the pro level. He has preached competition with his players and it has shown with the emergence of stars like quarterback Russell Wilson and cornerback Richard Sherman.

Carroll is 38-26 in four regular seasons with Seattle and 5-2 in the playoffs. At age 62, Carroll is the second-oldest head coach in the NFL.

Champ off to New Orleans

Veteran defensive back Champ Bailey agreed to a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.

The 35-year-old Bailey played the last 10 seasons with Denver after spending his first five in the NFL with Washington. A shutdown cornerback for much of his career, Bailey has made three All-Pro teams and been selected to 12 Pro Bowls. He trails only Hall of Fame end Reggie White (13) among defensive players in NFL history in Pro Bowls.

Bailey's 52 interceptions are the most among active players, as are his 204 passes defensed.

But he missed 11 games because of a left foot sprain originally suffered in the 2013 preseason, which wound up being a Lisfranc injury, one of the most painful for an athlete.

He returned late in the season to help the Broncos advance to the Super Bowl.

Williams heads home

The Buffalo Bills acquired receiver Mike Williams in a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It's a homecoming for Williams, who grew up in Buffalo and played at Syracuse under current Bills coach Doug Marrone.

The trade comes a little over a week after Williams ran into off-field trouble. He was allegedly stabbed in the leg by his brother, Eric Baylor, who has since turned himself in to police.

The Buccaneers signed Williams to a six-year, $40 million contract before last season. Injuries, however, limited him to playing six games last year.

Giants bring in Davis

The New York Giants agreed to a one-year contract with tight end Kellen Davis, whose previous team's last game was a Super Bowl victory at the Giants' stadium.

The 14th free agent signed by the Giants this offseason who played elsewhere last year, Davis spent his first five NFL seasons with Chicago. He joined the Seahawks one week into the 2013 season and played in every game the rest of the way — except Seattle's Super Bowl victory over Denver, when he was inactive.

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